Fire Prevention: Your Family’s Planned Escape/Evacuation

Updated:
July 18, 2017

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Teach your kids the basics of staying safe in the event of fire

A house fire is one of my greatest fears when it comes to my family, and especially my young son. Fire is powerful and uncontrollable, and absolutely deadly. Just thinking about it sets off waves of panic – but not of uncertainty.

That’s because we have a fire evacuation plan. We have fire protection and practice prevention. Does your family?

Basic Fire Prevention

For me, good parenting is a tightrope walk: I want to give my son the freedom to fall and scrap his knees – to learn how to get back up again – but I also want to protect him from serious dangers while he learns these life lessons. When he’s old enough (he’s only 1.5), fire prevention will be much the same: I will teach him to respect the flame, and will arm him with knowledge (not paranoia) of the awesome power of fire. And then, of course, I’ll school him in prevention and what to do in case of an emergency.

Fire Prevention

You don’t need to terrify your kids into fire prevention. Kids are natural collaborators, and they want to help you do what you do. So let them in on your fire prevention preparations: Give them the responsibility of pressing smoke alarm tester buttons, or checking the gauge on your fire extinguishers.

Have basic fire prevention & safety supplies prepared at all times

Fire Protocol for Kids

There are many great ways to teach children fire safety, and some of them you’ll probably remember from your own childhood. (Stop, drop and roll!) Check out our full list of fire prevention tips for kids, and be sure to drill these skills at least a few times per year.

Fire Escape Route

Yesterday we talked about creating a general home safety plan, but today I want to touch on the specifics of a fire escape route. Here’s what we have going on in my house:

Window Safety

You know that your doors open and shut normally, but you need to do regular checks of your windows – a primary escape route in case of fire. Many elements, like humidity or a recent repaint, may make it hard (or nearly impossible) to open your windows. Do a regular check (once a month works over here) to verify your window situation.

Escape Ladder

If your kids sleep on an upper level, you need to get a roll-up escape ladder for their room(s). Even more, you need to practice climbing down the ladder. Unless your kid’s a daredevil (mine’s nicknamed Evel Knievel!), she’ll probably be scared to climb down a swinging, unfamiliar rope ladder – especially if she’s already panicking about a house fire. Drilling her climbing skills in advance will help her stay calm and safe as she descends to safety during an emergency.

Prepare a fire escape plan with your children

Double Escape Route

As you work up your fire evacuation plan, you need to develop at least two safe routes out of your home: one primary and one alternative, in case the primary is unsafe. Note that the primary route from your bedroom is probably different than the preferred evacuation from your kids’ rooms. Don’t confuse your children with options; instead, only focus on their individual plans. If they’re on the younger side, do an arts & crafts project to create an escape route diagram. Their fire plan should live in their bedroom, somewhere they can easily grab during a fire.

Twin Meeting Spots

The final element to your evacuation route is your outdoor meeting spot. You’re going to need two again, in case your preferred location is unsafe. This area can be anywhere on your property – the front sidewalk is good, for example, because that’s where the fire trucks will arrive – but you can also choose a trusted neighbor’s home. Whatever works for your circumstances and family.

Basic Supplies

Finally, arm your family with these basic fire safety supplies:

Flashlights: One per bedroom and at least one per floor

Towels: One set per bedroom, to prevent smoke from seeping in under doors and windows

Cotton Shirt/Blanket: One per person, in the bedroom, to cover your nose and mouth to prevent smoke inhalation

Bright Cloth: One per bedroom, to wave so the fire department can spot you easily

Smoke Detectors: One per bedroom and at least one per floor

Fire Extinguisher: At least one per floor

Stay safe!

Looking for more fire safety information? Check out our comprehensive guide to Fire Safety for Kids.